Texas cities are moving fast to block cooperation with federal immigration agents after Democrats took control of the state.
Houston Leads the Charge
Three days after the election, Houston Mayor John Whitmire signed an order limiting police contact with ICE, freeing non‑violent illegal immigrants.
“This is the right thing to do at the right time,” Whitmire said, adding that the policy will improve public safety and reduce fear among students and workers.
Three Houston City Council members have moved to codify the order, making future reversal harder.
San Antonio and Austin Follow
In San Antonio, council members propose a rule that bars police from calling ICE unless an illegal immigrant already faces new jail charges or a NCIC hit for an ICE warrant, according to the San Antonio Express‑News.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson announced his intent to amend the city’s ICE cooperation policy before Governor‑elect Gina Hinojosa takes office in January, Houston Public Media reported.
“I believe strongly that Austinites deserve to be safe and to feel safe,” Watson said, noting that community trust depends on people calling for help without fear.
Watson asked Police Chief Lisa Davis to draft a new policy ready for Hinojosa’s January inauguration.
Federal Response
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned that ICE continues to arrest violent criminals in Austin, citing a list that includes Juan Fernando Lara Saavedra, a previously deported murderer, Daniel Alejandro Vera Belandia, a convicted rapist, and Santiago Lopez Diaz, a five‑time deportee convicted of aggravated battery on a pregnant woman.
“No matter how much sanctuary politicians try to obstruct us, the patriots of ICE will keep doing their jobs by arresting and deporting criminal illegal aliens,” Mullin said.
“Sanctuary politicians are failing their constituents by limiting cooperation with ICE,” he added, asserting that joint state‑local‑federal efforts make everyone better off.
